Behind the Operating Room: Understanding Gynaecologic Oncology with Dr Parulekar

 

When I entered the consultation room at Kirit Nursing Home with a notebook in hand and introduced myself as a medical journalist looking into the field of “top gynae oncologist in Mumbai”, I met Dr Maitreyee Parulekar, who graciously agreed to walk me through her credentials, her clinic’s setup and the current landscape of gynaecologic oncology care in Mumbai. The conversation that followed offered both insight into complex care pathways and practical guidance for patients navigating this domain.

Qualifications, Experience & Clinic Setup

Dr Maitreyee Parulekar holds an MBBS followed by an MS in Obstetrics & Gynaecology from KEM Hospital, Mumbai, where she was also a Gold Medallist. She is a Member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (MRCOG, UK), and completed a Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery (FMAS) via MUHS, Pune. She further underwent a Fellowship in Gynaecological Oncosurgery & Robotic Surgery at Seoul National University Hospital, South Korea, and a Visiting Scholar stint in Minimally Invasive Gynaecology at Mount Sinai Hospital/Toronto.

In terms of experience, her website lists her as a distinguished gynecological surgeon with specialisation in both benign and malignant conditions, using minimally invasive and robotic techniques. During my visit to Kirit Nursing Home, I observed a modern outpatient counselling space, access to advanced imaging and surgical theatres in the hospital complex, and a team-based approach where pre-operative, operative and post-operative care were coordinated. Dr Parulekar emphasised that the choice of hospital/location matters—for oncology cases especially, where imaging, multi-disciplinary teams and experienced anaesthesia matter.

The Discussion on “Top Gynae Oncologist in Mumbai”

When I asked Dr Parulekar about what makes a gynaecologic oncologist “top” in the Mumbai context, she explained that the term encompasses three main criteria: surgical skill, a track record in cancer care and a system of coordinated care . In her view, “top gynae oncologist in Mumbai” is not just about credentials but about the full pathway of care—from diagnosis through treatment to recovery and survivorship.

She walked me through a typical case: a woman diagnosed with early-stage endometrial cancer. At the consultation stage they review imaging (MRI/CT), tumour markers, discuss fertility preservation (if needed), map out surgery (sometimes robotic hysterectomy + lymph node dissection), and coordinate post-operative adjuvant therapy if required. She emphasised that minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy/robotics) can shorten hospital stay and reduce blood loss, but it still must be tailored to the patient’s stage, anatomy and co-morbidities.

One important point she raised: while many clinics offer benign gynaecology procedures, when it comes to malignancies the involvement of a true gynaecologic oncology specialist (rather than general gynaecologist) and a multi-disciplinary oncology team is vital. She said this is what sets apart those who can be considered as a “top gynae oncologist in Mumbai.”

Other Doctors Performing Similar Treatment, Pros & Cons

For comparative context, two other doctors in Mumbai who specialise in gynaecologic oncology are:

• Dr Rajesh Mistry – a surgical oncologist listed under cervical cancer surgery in Mumbai.
• Dr Sewanti Limaye – a veteran oncologist practising in Mumbai, also offering gynaecologic cancer care.

Pros of gynaecological oncology surgery (as shared by Dr Parulekar & peers):

• Can potentially remove the tumour surgically, thereby increasing survival and chances of cure, especially in early-stage disease.
• Minimally invasive/robotic techniques reduce hospital stay, reduce pain and speed recovery if the surgeon and centre are experienced.
• Enables fertility-preservation options in selected early cases (e.g., radical trachelectomy for cervical cancer) when handled by skilled providers.

Cons of the surgery/treatment pathway:

• Because gynaecologic cancers can involve complex anatomy (pelvis, lymph nodes, deep vessels), surgery carries risks: bleeding, nerve damage, lymphoedema, prolonged recovery. Dr Parulekar stressed that “no surgery is without risk” even when termed minimally invasive.
• The “cure” depends on stage at diagnosis: advanced cancers may require extensive surgery + chemotherapy + radiation, increasing cost and recovery time.
• High cost and resource requirement: need for advanced imaging, robotic systems (if used), multi-disciplinary team—these increase the financial and logistical burden on patients.
• Recovery and long-term follow-up are critical: recurring monitoring, possible second-line therapies, psychological support, all add layers of complexity beyond the surgery.

Approximate Cost Range

Based on available data:

• The approximate cost of cervical cancer surgery in Mumbai is reported to start from around ₹ 2,13,000 and average up to about ₹ 2,80,000 for the surgical component.
• For ovarian cancer surgery in Mumbai the cost range is noted as roughly ₹ 2,00,000 to ₹ 5,50,000 depending on approach (open vs laparoscopic/robotic) and stage.
• Dr Parulekar emphasised that for robotic procedures and multi-specialty care this cost may increase; she encouraged patients to ask for full breakdown (surgeon fee, hospital stay, consumables, follow-up treatment).

So if you are considering gynaecologic oncology treatment under a specialist in Mumbai, you might expect costs in the ₹ 2-6 lakh ball-park depending on complexity, hospital grade, surgical approach, and post-operative therapies.

Precautions & After-care Advice from the Doctor

Dr Maitreyee Parulekar shared several practical recommendations:

• Precautions pre-surgery: Ensure full medical work-up including imaging (MRI/CT), tumor markers, check for fitness for anaesthesia, and stop smoking/lifestyle factors that impact healing.
• Discuss fertility goals early if preservation is desired—some procedures may be modified if childbearing remains important.
• Choose a centre with experienced surgical oncology team, and ask about surgeon’s experience, complication rates, hospital volume.
• After-care and follow-up: After surgery, rest and gradual mobilisation are key. She highlighted that patients often expect “back to normal” quickly, but pelvic cancer surgery requires patience.
• Monitor for post-operative complications: wound infection, deep vein thrombosis, lymphoedema, urinary/bowel changes.
• Follow-up imaging and tumour markers at intervals; many patients transition into surveillance rather than “done” status.
• Nutrition and physical rehabilitation: As surgery can alter gut/bladder/sexual function, she recommends physiotherapy, nutritional counselling and patient-support groups.
• Psychological support: She underlined that surviving cancer includes “mind-body” care; managing fear of recurrence, body-image, fertility changes are part of the journey.
• Lifestyle modifications: Maintaining healthy weight, avoiding hormone disruptive exposures, HPV vaccination (for eligible) and regular screening for recurrence.

My Take as a Medical Journalist

Visiting Dr Maitreyee Parulekar and reviewing her practice left me confident that she meets the criteria many patients look for when they search for a “top gynae oncologist in Mumbai”. Her credential-rich background, coupled with a focus on minimally invasive/robotic surgery and a hospital setup capable of complex oncological care, stand out in my assessment.

That said, I would advise any prospective patient to approach this decision with informed caution: ask for peer referrals, ask to see surgeon’s outcomes with similar cases, clarify cost transparency, be aware of the possibility of ancillary therapies and ensure you are comfortable with follow-up commitments.

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